Anne Arundel Community College recognized by Achieving the Dream as a 2026 Leader College

Anne Arundel Community College has been designated a 2026 Leader College by Achieving the Dream (ATD), a national organization committed to advancing community colleges as accessible hubs of learning, credentialing and economic mobility. 

“We are honored to receive recognition for our deep and ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive community,” said Dr. Dawn Lindsay, president of AACC. “This achievement is a tangible result of our collective effort to support students and remove barriers to their success.” 

Additionally, Victor Aigbedion, a Glen Burnie High School student who is dually enrolled at AACC, is the first high school student ever to be named a DREAM Scholar by ATD. Each of the eight 2026 DREAM Scholars receives a financial scholarship to support their educational or personal journey, along with leadership development and mentorship opportunities. 

AACC has been part of the ATD Network since 2010 and was first named a Leader College in 2018 as well as a Leader College of Distinction in 2021. This year, 36 community colleges from the ATD Network have been honored with Leader College status. The honor is in recognition of meaningful progress in expanding access and early momentum, advancing relevant student success strategies with evidence of implementation, and early results and growing institutional capacity through culture and capacity-building efforts. 

“The 2026 Leader Colleges demonstrate sustained commitment and measurable progress in advancing student success,” said Karen A. Stout, Ed.D., president and CEO of Achieving the Dream. “By using data to guide decisions and continuously strengthen their practices, these institutions are producing real gains in student outcomes, strengthening their practices and deepening their impact in the communities they serve. Their leadership sets a powerful example for colleges across the ATD Network, reflecting the focus, discipline and follow-through required to achieve lasting institutional change.”

For information about Achieving the Dream, visit their website.